Travel Toronto: Veggielicious Doggone Delish

It surprises me more pet lovers aren’t vegetarians. I once heard a comedian once say, “I’m an animal lover, and eating them is a strange way to show affection.”

Funny, because it’s true.

For those fur friend enthusiasts who don’t think anything should be prepared rare, medium or well-done, Toronto, Ontario, Canada has got something for you: Veggielicious, a two-week plant-based culinary celebration.

Not to be out done by the many ‘licious food events throughout the year, the Toronto Vegetarian Association has organized a meat-free ‘licious moment of its own to encourage people to try any – or many – of the veg and vegan restaurants across the city.

From May 6 to 22, 2016, more than 40 restaurants, cafes and bakeries across the Greater Toronto Area are offering deals on price-fixed three-course menus ranging from $14 to $40. Most are full-service restaurants, such as Middle Eastern food specialists Tabule at 2009 Yonge Street and 810 Queen Street East, drawing from regular menu items.

Sweets from the Earth

Mary Berg Master Chef Canada Contestant

Others are participating by introducing vegetarian options to their regular carnivorous clientele, including the Fabarnak Café and Catering at The 519 Community Centre on Church Street. (And site of the Veggielicious launch where I met my favourite Master Chef Canada Contestant Mary Berg! The show’s still airing, but I think she won. UPDATE: she won!). The Fabarnak is a non-profit organization providing job opportunities and training to those who need assistance.

Can’t sit and stay for three courses? Meals on-the-go are an option: Kupfert & Kim is a successful Asian vegan take-out counter with four new locations recently added along Toronto’s PATH system – underground tunnels that take pedestrians quickly from Union Station to downtown. It’s celebrating Veggielicious with a special takeout box named after the company’s first location: First Canadian Place. Fuel up at lunch on quinoa, tempeh and kale and feel energized all day.

Fabarnak

Tabule

Bakeries are on the list too, includingSweets from the Earth, an all-natural vegan bakery founded in 2002, specializing in dairy and egg-free baked goods sold at cafes and health food stores across the city. I recommend the Whoppie Pie or Smores Squares.

If you happen to be in Toronto in September, check out Veg Food Fest the 11th to the 13th. Free at the Harbourfront Centre each year, it’s North America’s largest vegetarian festival.

So, what does this have to do with dogs?

Believe or not, the Toronto Vegetarian Directory includes a ‘companion animal’ (otherwise known as the animals we don’t eat) section. Listed here is Timmie Doggie Outfitters, an independently owned pet supply company with two locations: one at 867 Queen Street W., and another at 1178 Queen Street E., Toronto. They sell Ami brand pet food – 100% all vegetable food for cats, dogs, and small pets.

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39 comments

[…] For one hour, a handful of people and three dogs flowed their way to shavasana under the South Common Tent during the 34rd Annual Veg Food Fest at Harbourfront Centre from September 7-9, 2018 produced by Toronto Vegetarian Association. (Check out Veggielicious here). […]

[…] Lured by the promise of tasty tacos and wine, Victor and I head to Thirty Bench Winery (4281 Mountainview Road) to start. Three weekends this summer the winery featured two kinds of tacos with the wine tasting – today, one is chicken pesto and the other sweet potato vegan with white bean turmeric ‘mustard’ and corn chutney. (Guess which one I had. Here’s hint). […]

Ok, I have to admit fish is on my diet too. I do keep an eye on the over fishing list though. I used to carry a small folded list from Ocean Watch with me but it got thrown out at a restaurant when a waiter cleared plates.

I love the fact that so many restaurant, particularly in large cities, are veg only. Many, like the Middle Eastern one, remind us entire cultures have been living like that for centuries and surviving just fine. Millennium in San Francisco was one of the best Vegan restaurants I’ve ever been to and I swear half the people in there didn’t know it. (Upscale and expensive so no granola).

That is so awesome (and clearly a tough film to do). Completely Vegan is admirable. I once had someone say to me, “You don’t look vegetarian at all. You look healthy, not thin and pasty.” I think she was eating a fast food hamburger at the time.

There was an absolute uproar when someone tried to introduce ‘vegetarian’ food for cats recently!! (Insane as they are obligate carnivores and NEED meat to live). I believe many cat bloggers expressed their concerns over the confusion that arose!

I think this is a terrific idea. Many people don’t realise there are superb vegetarian dishes that are easy to prepare. One of ur faves (athough we are not vegetarian) is Mushroom Stroganoff.

Yes, even I’ll admit there’s a big difference between an omnivore and a carnivore. From what I’ve read, cats are one of the true carnivores on the planet. Apparently, they can and need to get all their nutrients from meat sources. (And they don’t factory farm either 😉

I believe that feeding dogs and cats vegetarian food (unless needed for medical reasons for dogs) is wrong. They’re not meant to eat that way. Mr. N would probably starve himself. He won’t even look at vegetables.